Sports
Oly, AshGold to set Accra ablaze … as ‘famished’ fans return
The thrilling Ghana Premier League (GPL) resumes with week-eight fixtures at the various centres, and splashed with good news for the famished fans.
On Tuesday, the government announced the lifting of a ban imposed on football fans since March last year to attend games, due to COVID-19 concerns.
Though the various venues will admit only 25 per cent of fans, the move by the government to allow fans back into the stadium will still be much treasured by the clubs as they continue to incur huge costs as a result of games being played behind closed doors.
The pick of the week incontestably will be the cagey game between impressive Great Olympics who lie sixth on the ladder on 11 points and fourth-placed AshantiGold slated for the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow, with about 9,000 fans expected to attend. The Miners are only a point better than the Dade boys.
As usual, the Oly boys will rely heavily on skipper Gladson Awako to inspire them to victory in a game expected to produce pure fireworks and should put fans of the two teams on nerves.
Yet another huge fixture will be contested between Elmina Sharks and in-form Hearts of Oak at the Ndoum Sports Stadium in Elmina. The Phobians last weekend put up a sparkling performance to inflict a crushing 6-1 win over a hitherto unbeaten Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium. That inspiring victory could galvanise the away team to another great result, though it looks a very tall order for them.
In other potentially stirring games, wounded joint leaders – Bechem United, will welcome King Faisal to Bechem tomorrow, hoping to restore the smiles on the faces of their fans.
Eleven Wonders will sit at the comfort of home on Sunday to welcome stubborn Karela United in a tie that could go either way though a stalemate looks more likely.
Berekum Chelsea look the favourites to scoop all maximum points as they welcome Inter Allies to the Golden City Park tomorrow; but Aduana Stars should this afternoon pose some tough challenge to hosts Medeama SC whose attack will be bolstered by the signing of former Asante Kotoko Burkinabe forward Ahmed Toure on a two-year deal.
Sadly, Toure can only start his Medeama career next month when the second transfer window is opened.
At the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu tomorrow, Dreams FC are tipped to go past traveling Ebusua Dwarfs, but that result would not come home easy at all.
The tie between Asante Kotoko and Liberty Professionals at the Accra Sports Stadium will take place on Monday at 3.pm.
As of press time yesterday, struggling Legon Cities were slotting it out with WAFA, hoping to snatch their first win of the eight-week campaign.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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